Mariko

"Max's eyes sparkled with interest as he and Mariko entered the factory. It didn't take long for Yukio, who had thoroughly inspected the equipment, to detect a peculiar sound. She appeared somewhat uneasy and immediately called the driver over to keep their distance, her instincts on high alert."

"You should take a few days to rest and recover. Once you're feeling better, we can talk more," Max advised Katie, noting the fatigue in her eyes. She nodded in agreement, and Max left her to rest.

Max then retreated to his own room, letting Katie regain her strength. The night passed, and the day dawned with the sun casting its warm glow. 

Descending from the upper floor after his morning routine, Max found Yukio busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast, while Viper lounged lazily on the sofa, engrossed in watching TV. As Max approached, Viper moved slightly, allowing him to sit down, and then rested a leg against Max's back.

"Trouble has come your way," Viper remarked, speaking with nonchalance.

Max arched an eyebrow. "What sort of trouble are we talking about?"

"A wanted notice was issued regarding you not long ago. It'll make your outings less convenient. Anyone who provides information leading to your capture will receive a reward of one hundred thousand dollars. What did you do last night?" Viper inquired with curiosity.

Max smirked dismissively. "I've had plenty of Interpol warrants before I crossed here. If they can't catch me, then I'm not worried."

Viper continued, "When will the equipment be delivered?"

"It should be soon," Max replied.

As if on cue, the phone rang at that moment.

"Okay, I've got it," Max said after ending the call. He turned to Viper. "It's here."

"Time to eat," Yukio called from the kitchen.

"Let's eat first," Max said, and they moved to the dining area.

As they enjoyed their meal, Viper brought up the wanted notice. "You should send something to Katie later. Yukio, you'll come with me. Mariko said the items have arrived."

"Alright," Yukio agreed.

The location Max provided to Mariko for the equipment wasn't their home but an abandoned factory nearby, a place that had seen no activity for years.

When Max and Yukio arrived, they spotted two vans parked inside the factory premises, alongside a black car a short distance away.

The car's door opened, and a figure emerged.

"Why are you here too?" Max exclaimed, surprised to see Mariko in person, assuming she had sent someone to deliver the equipment.

"The company's affairs are nearly wrapped up, and this shipment is of utmost importance. I'm concerned that something might go wrong," Mariko remarked with a smile, nodding at Yukio.

"When are you leaving?" Yukio inquired.

"In two hours. I have a meeting I must attend this afternoon," Mariko replied. "Yukio, go check the car."

"Follow me over there; I need to tell you something!" Max's eyes sparkled with interest. "Okay!"

.....

An hour later, Max and Mariko emerged from the factory, their task completed.

Mariko stood before Max, gently adjusting his collar as she spoke softly, "I've passed my father's affairs on to the Jidao organization. As for Grandpa, he's already gone. You can't die twice. It's just that I didn't expect you to be wanted here for so long. If you ever feel that things aren't going well here, come to me."

Max flashed a grin, teasingly, "Are you being this kind because of me? Don't tell me you've fallen for me again."

Mariko responded with a sweet smile, "Maybe only in front of you can I truly be myself."

"It's about time; I should leave too."

"Goodbye!"

Max nodded and added, "I've bought the car; you can handle it yourself." Mariko acknowledged this with a nod, and the driver swiftly approached to take her to her destination.

Once the car departed, Max opened a large door capable of accommodating a truck and signaled for Yukio to drive inside one by one. They were headed home.

Max skillfully drove the car straight into the garage, opened a door leading to the basement, and gestured to come and assist with unloading the cargo.

The equipment was heavy, taking a full half-hour to transfer everything. The equipment was stored in the seemingly nonexistent laboratory, while the silver samurai armor found its place in the living room within this otherworldly space.

Viper, intrigued by Max's uncharacteristically cheerful demeanor, whispered to Yukio, "What's gotten into him? Why does he seem so much happier after this trip? It can't just be about the delivery, can it?"

Yukio leaned in closer and revealed the reason, "Mariko's come."

Viper's eyes widened in understanding. "No wonder he looks so cheerful. After all, he's been holding back for quite some time. Honestly, I thought he might have sought out you or me."

Yukio, curious about Viper's reaction, inquired, "And if he had come to you, what would have happened?"

Viper shrugged casually, "It would depend on my mood. It must be something quite extraordinary to captivate Mariko and make her come here purposefully."

Upstairs, Max took a refreshing shower and then headed to Katie's room. Inside, Katie noticed Max's entrance and summoned Roar. "What have you been up to? I thought I heard some noise from below."

Max replied with a contented smile, "Just got something. It seems like you're in better shape. Shall we have a chat?"

"Sure," Katie agreed with a nod, her curiosity piqued.

.....

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